The National Weather Service is warning of triple-digit heat indices for our area for Saturday and Sunday.

• Heat indices exceeding 100°F Saturday through Monday across much of southern WI, with 105°F values in southeast WI.
• Low temperatures in the middle 70s Saturday and Sunday night, resulting in little overnight relief.
• Breezy southwest winds expected Saturday through Monday. Winds could be particularly gusty on Saturday (gusts to around 35 MPH expected, peaking late morning through late afternoon). 

Below is information from the National Safety Council on avoiding heat related illness:

Heat Exhaustion: When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the free NSC First Aid Quick Reference app, signs and symptoms include:

● Pale, ashen or moist skin
● Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
● Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
● Headache, dizziness or fainting
● Nausea or vomiting
● Rapid heart rate

Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:

● Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area
● Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
● Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower

Heat Stroke: Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include:

● Body temperature above 103 degrees
● Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
● Rapid breathing
● Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status
● Irrational or belligerent behavior
● Convulsions or unresponsiveness

Immediately take action:

● Call 911
● Move the victim to a cool place
● Remove unnecessary clothing
● Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
● If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels
● Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees
● Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed

DO NOT:

● Force the victim to drink liquids
● Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin
● Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets

The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

● Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
● Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol
● Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
● Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
● Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
● Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself
● Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body

Keep Each Other Safe

In your community, please check in on neighbors who are elderly, house-bound or otherwise may be reluctant to ask for help. You can offer to host them in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room on hot days, drive them to a local cooling center, or call relatives or city services to arrange for them to stay cool.